Fatal Electrocution Claims Life During Tree Trimming in Napak

A tragic accident in Matany town council, Napak district, resulted in one death and one serious injury on Tuesday afternoon. Two workers were electrocuted around 1:00 p.m. while trimming branches from a neem tree entangled with live power lines.

The deceased, identified as Teko from Iriiri sub-county, was contracted by Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) for the job. His colleague, yet to be named, sustained critical injuries and was quickly taken to Matany hospital.

Eyewitness Daniel Aleper described how a panga struck exposed wires, causing sparks. The colleague spotted the danger first and shouted a warning, but Teko was already trapped in the branches. The injured worker jumped down and collapsed unconscious.

Resident Becky Lokawa recounted rushing to the scene where Teko remained dangling from the tree. Police arrived an hour later, secured the area, and are preparing a detailed report, according to Mt. Moroto regional police spokesperson Mike Longole.

Attempts to reach UEDCL for comment were unsuccessful.

Source: The Observer (Uganda)